Bernhard Langer moves within reach of a Senior Open double at Royal Porthcawl

Pavin is ready to tackle Langer, but is aware of the task he faces. Langer has won seven of the past 16 majors. He is 60 next month, but shows no sign of stopping.

“Oh, that guy,” Pavin said with a smile when asked about his final round playing partner. “He’s just been playing exceptional golf for a long time now. As a senior, yes, but his whole career has been fantastic.

“He’s a tough guy to go after. But I can be tough sometimes, too, and I just know I have to go out and play my game and let it happen. And if it ­happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I can’t be concerned about Bernhard. Maybe the last couple holes, if it becomes the two of us, but a lot can happen.”